Manchester United are on the cusp of making their first signing of the Ruben Amorim era, as INEOS’ transfer strategy takes form.
Diego Leon, a 17-year-old Paraguayan left back, has arrived in Manchester for his medical. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club would then formally announce its first signing during Amorim’s stint at Old Trafford.
The teenage left-back will come from Paraguay’s top division club Cerro Porteno. United have agreed to pay a £3.2 million ($4 million) transfer fee, with add-ons of up to £3.6 million ($4.5 million).
After completing these formalities in Manchester, the adolescent will depart to Paraguay and will not return to England until July 2025 to join the first squad.
Leon’s arrival shapes INEOS’ long-term transfer strategy, as the club prepares to restructure following the surprise departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, who joined from Newcastle just months earlier.
United have been looking for a new left-back due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s injuries during the last 18 months.
They are bringing in a quality full-back who could address such difficulties in the future. Amorim has also been connected with a reunion at Old Trafford with several of his former Sporting CP teammates, including Portugal international Nuno Mendes.
Amorim’s side will look to return to winning ways on Sunday when they face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in a third-round FA Cup match.